The Million-Dollar Heart

When Leopold walked in, the scene before him stopped him dead in his tracks.

There was Percival, shirtless and blushing furiously, sprawled on the couch while Vivienne, with eyes sparkling with mischief, was pointing her smartphone at him like she was about to devour him whole. Leopold was dumbfounded.

He had only been gone for what, ten minutes? And things had escalated this quickly?

The room was buzzing with an energy that was both electric and slightly scandalous.

The unexpected interruption clearly didn't sit well with Vivienne, who shot Leopold a glare sharp enough to cut, "Out!"

Leopold, taken aback and with every wild thought fleeing his mind except for self-preservation, stammered, "Uh, Vivienne, I saw nothing, really. Just came to drop off the car keys...'

With that, he tossed the keys towards the entryway and made a hasty retreat, not even bothering to close the door properly.

Once outside, he took a deep breath.

Trust Vivienne to be involved in something he hadn't even dreamed of.

Poor Percival, though. In Vivienne's clutches, he was practically a goner.

After snapping a few pics, Vivienne put down her phone and picked up a cotton swab to tend to the scrapes on Percival's arms and shoulders.

Once she was done, she let out a sigh and finally voiced her concerns, "Mr. Wolf, it looks like our wedding might need to be postponed."

Percival turned to face her, "Your dad still not on board?"

Vivienne grimaced, "It's not just my dad this time. My four uncles too. They want to throw a big bash. My mom's wedding was a surprise to them, and now, they want to make sure they're fully prepared for ours."

Percival thought for a moment, then pulled her into a hug, "I understand."

Feeling his strong heartbeat, Vivienne nestled closer, "You're so understanding, Mr. Wolf."

Percival stroked her hair, his eyes filled with affection, "My understanding is all for you."

leave the wedding plans to me. I'll meet your dad

up in surprise, "You think you can convince

"There's always a way."

nose gently, "I've dealt with tougher crowds than your brothers. Your uncles won't

now intrigued, couldn't help but look forward to

the comfort of Mr. Wolf's couch, or just being by his

she saw dusk

table, complete with four dishes, a soup, and a palm-sized strawberry cheesecake. "Come on, have some

sat down, reaching for the cake first, only for

to get to the cake immediately, Vivienne felt as if there were ants crawling in her heart, "Mr. Wolf, you're getting stingy. This cake's too small for my appetite." Percival sighed, "Eating

eyebrow, "Fine, tomorrow I want a cheesecake

laughed and nodded,

look, he asked, "Staying over

then decided, "Better not. I don't want your house to be one room

Percival, "..."

have to take their frustrations

The Linklater household.

Vivienne stepped in, Arthur's booming voice filled

to

"I, uh..."

seeing his daughter's figure, switched from fury to

was saying, it's late; are you hungry? I've just mastered the

for damage control, Arthur's face

throbbed, "No thanks, I've

then first thing tomorrow, I'll make you breakfast." Vivienne, heading upstairs, suddenly turned back to Sasha, "Mom, Mr. Wolf's fine.

nodded, giving

be hasty next time. She's home safe, isn't No need to blow up anyone's

the next few days, Vivienne stayed quietly

days reading in the garden